How to Go Green: Work from Home

Working from home sounds like a sweet deal: trade work clothes for sweats, skip rainy and crowded commutes, and set a schedule that fits you best—whether you’re an early bird or a night owl. And while there are some obvious environmental pluses to giving up commutes, take-out lunches, and weekly printer paper deliveries, setting up a home office comes with its own opportunities to cut back on energy use, trim waste production, and condense your carbon footprint.

Planet Green’s How to Go Green: Working from Home guide gives you all the information you need to green your daily grind, from where to look for comfortable chairs made from recycled materials to how to arrange your workspace for maximum productivity. Click below to read the whole guide, and find a few quick suggestions after the fold.

Photo credit: Leonora Oppenheim

Find a job.

First, talk to your boss about ways you can change your schedule or responsibilities so that you could do more of your work from home—even cutting your commute just two days a week can make a huge difference in your carbon output. Not sure what to say? Try these conversation starters. If your boss won’t be convinced, then it might be time to look for a new job—preferably a green one—or consider starting your own business.

Get a desk.

You’re about to start spending a whole lot of your time at this desk, so find one that fits your work style—whether you’re looking for lots of storage, minimalist design, or a modular unit. There are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives; look for models that use sustainable wood or recycled metal with non-toxic finishes. Even better? Buy vintage for a one-of-a-kind workspace.

Stay in touch.

No home office is complete without a computer, but pay attention to your needs before you buy the fanciest kind; if you’re just using it for word documents and internet research, you can likely make do without all the bells and whistles. Look into buying a used or refurbished one to save money and energy—or if you are buying new, look for a system that’s either Energy Star certified (meaning it uses less electricity) or EPEAT certified (meaning it was made without hazardous materials and processes). Either way, do consider splurging on a larger monitor: It’s better for your eyes.

These tips are just the beginning. For more advice, tricks, and information about setting out on a green home business path, check out the How to Go Green: Working from Home guide on Planet Green.